AC Milan's head coach, Stefano Pioli, spoke to the media in a press conference tonight in view of the match against Rennes in Roazhon Park.
What did you say to the team a little while ago in the middle of the field?
"We analysed Sunday's match on Monday as we always do, then we focused on this one. I told the team that we've gained a deserved advantage but qualification is not yet secured, and we'll have to work together from start to finish because Rennes is a good team."
On the turnover:
"I don't like the term turnover. It's about managing a group that works, a group that will have to play 5 matches in 15 days. I make choices for each individual match; the choices for Sunday were based on the data I had, on the players' conditions. I'll do the same tomorrow night, and after tomorrow night's match, I'll do the same for Atalanta."
How are Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek? Pioli replied:
"They're all fine, compared to Sunday, we've had an extra day of rest. The team is in good shape, it seems to me that they're all in a condition to play."
Do you fear the first 20 minutes, when Rennes will push hard with the support of the crowd?
"We expect Rennes to try something different from Thursday's match, we don't know if in terms of positions or attitude. We know they'll try to make an important start, and we're prepared for that."
How do you feel about harsh criticism? Pioli answered:
"It's all right. We work to get results, and if they don't come, especially if you coach a big team, you get criticised. It's not a problem."
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